Signs Your Water Heater Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

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1 9 Signs that Your Water Heater Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

9 Signs that Your Water Heater Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

A properly functioning water heater is essential for the comfort and convenience of any household. However, like any other appliance, water heaters can experience problems over time. Knowing the signs that indicate your water heater needs attention can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Let’s discuss common signs that your water heater may need to be repaired or replaced helping you make an informed decision about its maintenance.

1. Inconsistent Temperature

One noticeable sign that your water heater might need repair or replacement is inconsistent water temperature. If you find that your showers suddenly go from hot to cold without adjusting the faucet it could indicate a problem. This issue may be caused by a faulty thermostat a malfunctioning heating element or sediment buildup in the tank. Professional assistance is required to diagnose and fix these underlying problems. Find our more about how to flush sediment from your water heater!

2. Strange Noises

If you start hearing unusual noises coming from your water heater it is usually an indication that something is wrong. Common noises include popping rumbling or banging sounds. These sounds often occur due to excessive sediment buildup in the tank causing it to overheat or leading to uneven water flow. Ignoring these noises can lead to serious damage or even a complete failure of your water heater.

3. Leaks

Water leaks around your water heater are a clear sign that something needs to be addressed immediately. Leaks can be caused by a variety of issues such as a faulty valve loose connections or corrosion within the tank. Not only does this waste water and increase your utility bills but it can also cause significant structural damage to your home. If you notice any leaks it is important to have your water heater inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

4. Age of the Water Heater

Consider the age of your water heater when assessing its condition. Most traditional tank water heaters have a lifespan of around 8 – 12 years. As they age they become more prone to developing problems. If your water heater is reaching or surpassing this age range it might be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continuously repair it. Newer models are often more energy-efficient and it will save you money in the long run.

5. Corrosion

Inspecting your water heater for signs of corrosion is essential. Corrosion can result from constant exposure to water and can weaken the tank leading to leaks or even bursting. Look for any rust-colored water around the connections on the tank itself or in the water that comes out of the tap. Corrosion is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. A professional plumber can assess the extent of the corrosion and recommend whether repair or replacement is necessary.

6. High Energy Bills

A water heater that is not functioning properly can lead to increased energy consumption. If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills without any other plausible explanation, it’s advisable to have your water heater inspected.

7. Low Water Pressure

Decreased water pressure in your hot water supply may be a result of a failing water heater. Sediment buildup or a faulty heating element can cause this issue, affecting your daily activities, such as showering or washing dishes.

8. Continuous Repairs

If you find yourself frequently calling a professional to fix your water heater, it may be more cost-effective to replace it entirely. Constant repairs can add up quickly in terms of time and money, so weigh the options carefully.

9. Foul Odors

If your hot water has a strong unpleasant smell, it could be due to bacteria growth inside the tank. This can occur when the temperature is set too low, allowing bacteria to thrive. A professional can help you determine which are the next steps to follow.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to keep your water heater functioning optimally. By paying attention to the signs discussed in this article you can detect potential issues early on and take appropriate action. Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant problems and inconvenience down the line. Remember it’s always better to address water heater issues proactively rather than waiting for a complete breakdown.

Contact Lifetime Plumbing

If you are wondering where you could find expert plumbing services for your water heater repair, call Lifetime Plumbing, your licensed plumber in Chicago.

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Claudia Raack

2024-05-09

We are so pleased with Arbri from Lifetime Plumbing. His work is excellent & he gets the job done quickly. Arbri even removed the shipping boxes from our new sink. We recommend Lifetime Plumbing to everyone!

Rhonda Bidne

2024-05-09

Very profession service! Elvis answered all of my questions...highly recommended!

Tami Kessler

2024-05-06

Elvis and his team have been wonderful. The guy who came out today to replace our toilet was extremely professional and courteous. He had a problem with the new toilet but was able to fix that and now we have a great new toilet. We will certainly be using Lifetime Plumbing for all of our plumbing needs in the future! Thank you!!

Taral Patel

2024-05-01

Elvis and his team at Lifetime plumbing does excellent work, at a fair competitive price. We have used them for multiple projects in our home, as well as for everyday plumbing problems that come up. They know exactly how to navigate a remodel as well as gut rehabs, we have done both. Super professional and very thorough. Work they have completed for us includes a remodel of two of our bathrooms, as well as a gut rehab of taking one bathroom and splitting it into two. Other big projects were installing a new tankless water heater (highly recommended), and relocating the plumbing for our relocated laundry room. Can't say enough of how satisfied we are with the work!

Raluca

2024-03-31

Elvis and his team are the most professional and reliable when it comes to plumbing work. They always come up with the best and most convenient solution for your needs. Lifetime Plumbing performed all the plumbing in our newly renovated bathroom, they've installed us the reverse osmosis filters, they unclogged our bathtubs and sinks and everything works wonders, they clearly have their own magic touch. Excellent work & great team, highly recommend to use their services for plumbing. Thank you Elvis and his team for all the hard work and advice.

Tony Ritter

2024-02-28

Elvis was fantastic. Supported us late on Saturday night when water heater started leaking. Came early Sunday morning to fix it . Super helpful , fair pricing . Couldn’t be more pleased or recommend him more. 10/10! Great and trustworthy!

Glenn Garafolo

2024-02-28

We recently encountered clogged drains in one of our full bathrooms. Lifetime personnel were genuinely concerned about out needs and problems and promptly sent out Miguel to address our issues. He quickly identified the problem and went above and beyond to do further investigation and found significant cracks in other pipes, which didn't surprise us being that our home is 70 years old. We inquired about redoing our entire bathroom insomuch as serious pipe work needed to be done. Miguel took care of everything. He made our problem his priority and returned day after day making sure everything was done and working correctly. His work was thorough and excellent! We were continually updated about when he was on his way. He even stayed late a couple days to make sure we had working Plumbing. He is extremely professional and prompt explaining everything every step of the way. The cost for us was very acceptable and fair. We couldn't be more more pleased with Lifetime, and how beautiful our new bathroom looks, but more so for Miguel's dedication to his profession and helping us. Outstanding company and Miguel's work is phenomenal!!!!

John O'Keefe

2024-02-27

Elvis and his team were great. They came when they were supposed to. They got to work and did a great job. I would use them again. In fact I will be using them on another job this month! Thanks

Limar Qader

2024-02-19

So far I am very happy and will likely use lifetime in the future as well. To start with I had a clogged toilet. I called and left a voicemail and got a response within 5 minutes. I asked how much they would charge for a toilet clog. Elvis asked some questions to make sure it was a basic clog and said likely $200 unless some other issues/causes. I asked if there was a diagnosis or travel charge and he said no. I asked how long til someone would be able to come out? He said about an hour and had come himself in 1.5 hours. This is all very rush so I appreciated this a lot. After it was all done he kept the price of $200 for the clogged toilet which is normal cost. I showed him a few things and asked for help with the pressure on my faucet. He cleaned the aerator and didn't charge anything. I asked him to install a handheld bidet and asked how much it would be. He said $100. This is considered on the lower end of cost for this. It is also a more honest charge as the install is very easy. He got it done pretty quick (15 minutes max) and I was good to go. He allowed a link through a credit card processor or zelle as far as payment. Credit card would have been 3.5% charge which he informed me about beforehand so I went with zelle. I asked how much to install new toilets as mine are the reason for this second clog and the install for 1 comes out to $220 but Elvis offered a discount for 2. Gave advice for what brand toilets to get and how much they would likely cost. Overall, I would recommend this plumber/company to anyone who needs one. He's honest, priced reasonably/well, and has done good work. What else can you ask for in a plumber?

John

2024-02-09

If I could give more stars, I would! We had a low water pressure issue after having to shut off the main for some other work. As the home is over 60 years old, we knew there was a need to have an experienced and thorough crew to assess and repair the issue. We found that in Lifetime. Excellent, efficient work, and won't drain your bank account!

9 Signs that Your Water Heater Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced